Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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My sweet girl is 15y.o and struggling mightily w/mobility & I'd like to try a rear wheel cart for her so she can get out and enjoy some fresh air. She is approx 65-70lbs. Honestly I am not able to provide the measurements that some sites require as we live alone in NYC and I'm reluctant to expose friends/neighbors right now by asking their help with this. Thanks so much for any help/guidance!!!
Oh, I should mention she is 4-legged but back legs are quite weakened by arthritis & nerve damage and can't support her.
Hello there and welcome. I'm sorry your pup is struggling, that is so hard.
I approved your post but with a caveat because it's important for us to let others know that:
We do NOT recommend using dog wheelchairs without the guidance of a canine rehabilitation therapist.
Please click on our wheelchairs link for more info. But basically, the wrong size of cart and wrong adjustments can can cause much more damage than benefit, and create more pain for the dog. I know you love your pup and don't want to hurt her so please reconsider this request.
Instead, you can help your dog get outside with dog strollers. You won't hurt anything and you will still give her the opportunity to get outside and into the world.
I hope this helps.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi from one New Yorker to another! I'm Stacy, mama to Griffin, 10 year old goldendoodle who had forelimb amputation surgery on April 2, 2020. I have previously shared on this site using a wagon to support Griffin when I want to go places that would be too far for him to walk. Griffin is about the same weight as your pup (what is her name and your name?), but you would have to be strong enough to lift her in and out. The wagon I use is the Mac Sports Collapsible Folding Outdoor Utility Wagon (check all the colors as the prices vary widely between about $60 to over $100). I hope this is helpful as you are considering your options!
Griffin lived an amazing life for 11 years! Diagnosed with osteosarcoma on March 17, 2020, Griffin's right forelimb was amputated on April 2, 2020. Ten days later he was running and playing fetch! Lung metastasis discovered in July 2020 did not slow down Griffin and he lived joyfully for the next 7 months, passing peacefully at home on February 11, 2021. https://griffin.tripawds.com
Oh Stacy thank you so much for your reply. What a gorgeous gorgeous boy Griffin is, and so lucky to ride around in his SUV 🙂 My name is Elena and my sweetheart it's Shelby. We actually have a wagon, a red radio flyer 😎 so maybe we will try rolling the way you and Griffin do. It will take a lot of strength for me to lift her up high enough to lower her into it. But on a beautiful spring day , will be worth it I'm sure.
Stacy you rock, thank you for taking time to share.
Elena, one of our most beloved Tripawd members was named Shelby, and she had a little red wagon too!
I recommend doing some wagon training before taking her out. Start slow and use treats to lure her up into the wagon while it's still in your living room. Move around a bit in the house to get her used to the motion. Spend a few days doing that to get her acclimated and see if that works. Good luck!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Another Shelbywhat a sweetheart! Thanks for sending this pic! When you mentioned 'luring her up into the wagon' I'm not sure I understand. She can't walk well at all and jumping is a thing of the distant past for her so if I take her out in the wagon it will have to be by using her harnesses (Help em Up) to lift and lower her into it. Unless there's something I'm missing. I don't have a ramp and not sure she would go for that anyway, at this point.
Oh I just meant find a way to get her into the ramp so that she is comfortable doing it, without being stressed out trying to get inside. Hope that makes sense.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Stacy. My name is April. Our 10.5 yo yellow lab has been diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in his front shoulder. We meet with a specialist today. We are very hesitant to amputate because of age and pain. Even though he is in pain right now too. As of a week ago the cancer still has not spread to his lungs. He is not arthritic and his organs are healthy. How did you make your decision? What are some of the hardest aspects you dealt with when he came home ? Thank you. So glad your pup is doing well. This is so hard.
Hi April. I’m sorry to hear about your pup. You will find tons of support here but please start a brand new topic in a different forum (Presentation and Diagnosis perhaps?) so that we can focus on your dog and better assist. This topic is reserved for exchange of unused items. Thanks for understanding, I look forward to learning about you and your dog.
PS Jerry’s Required Reading List is a good place to find answers too, and our What to Expect series of posts.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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